The way to properly push a newer -- which should not be mistaken with "younger" -- performer in the world of pro wrestling is to begin inserting that individual into storylines with more established stars. Then, after watching those individuals go back-and-forth in their battles, eventually the audience begins to believe the less established or lesser-known performer is on par with the more established star. Once this has been done sufficiently well and long enough, the newer performer then -- eventually -- takes a step up the ladder, into the same perceived "star" category as the more established wrestler.
By nature of this recipe for success, it means TNA is required to allow more established stars to remain a significant and focal point of their programming. Otherwise, to the average viewer -- not the enlightened masses on this board, who are not wrestling fans but wrestling "fanatics" -- the entire company will be a "bunch of nobodies" competing in matches that, in their eyes, aren't worth much.
Now... While people are arguing about "young" wrestlers being a focal point of TNA programming, I really do wish they would shift the terminology to reflect how experienced or established a star is. Someone can be very young -- i.e., Randy Orton -- and still considered a "veteran." Or, conversely, someone can be older & still a "rising star."
For example, Bill Goldberg was in his 30s when he became the hottest "rising sensation" in pro wrestling. No, he wasn't young -- but he was a brand new, fresh face in the industry and ready to make an impact. They certainly didn't make him a star by handing him a World title in his first match. Instead, they allowed him to mow through a series of opponents, many much more established, to gain credibility. THEN they put him in the title picture.
And what about "Diamond" Dallas Page? He was in his mid-30s when he finally started wrestling, eventually becoming an extremely popular competitor and multiple-time world heavyweight champion.
Then, of course, there was Sting. Yes, he was quite young when he first started in the NWA main event scene...challenging Ric Flair for the World title, but always unable to wrest it from him. Of course, each time he took the champ to the limit -- and fell just a little short -- his credibility increased. In the meantime, he won various other titles and built his reputation. Eventually, when he finally did take the World championship, it felt right! And, of course, he'd built a name for himself, following and reputation that allowed him to lead the company AND bring ratings.
Rather than focusing on people's biological age, I would encourage people to think about how people are being utilized as an indicator of how "young" they are in the minds of the average pro wrestling fan. Robert Roode has been around TNA for long time -- which has allowed people to get to know him, support him -- but he's only been used as a singles competitor for a very brief time. His role as a champion, certainly, is very new, very fresh, so -- regardless of his age -- his role within the company is still new.
Despite having the belt, there is probably a very large portion of mainstream wrestling fans who do not yet "buy" him as the flagship wrestler in the company. The best way to gain this "buy-in" is to allow him to be challenged by people they know and accept as "championship material" -- and allow him to go over them. Those people would include Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Sting, RVD... Yup, the same "old guys" so many are bitching about! To be honest, regardless of Hogan being decrepit, I would suggest TNA allow HIM to challenge -- and put over -- Roode as well, if they really want to make him The Man to beat.
Meanwhile, Devon is a perfect guy to have in the TV Title picture. It will allow a series of less established stars to challenge a "veteran" -- with one eventually picking up the win & the belt. There is nothing wrong with allowing a mixture of established and rising stars vie for that belt, periodically trading it to keep everyone active and involved in a title hunt.
And, of course, Austin Aries is making TNA history with his X-Division title reign, occasionally dipping his toe in the upper-midcard, and building a reputation for himself. Ultimately -- and this might only happen in the perfect world -- after Roode has knocked down all the established stars and put together a nice, solid 6-8 month title reign, that's when they'll let Aries challenge for the title. Roode would have to cheat, manipulate and otherwise rob Aries of victory every time. I'd suggest this go on for about 4-6 PPVs.
That way, with a string of wins over the likes of RVD, Sting, etc. under his belt, Roode feels like an unstoppable heel champ...And the audience begins to whole-heartedly back Austin Aries, the fresh, new face...and possibly the company's only hope to take the title off The Champ.
If you don't see how this has worked, suddenly, to build two new, YOUNG talents into credible main event wrestlers -- just like they did Sting many, many years ago -- I suggest you reread the post. It is how the pro wrestling industry works.
